Paddy Bradley Collection (2459 Items)
Paddy Bradley collated the definitive collection of historic images of the town of Redruth and surrounding areas.
Amongst his archive are thousands of postcards and images dating back to the late 1800s. Many of the postcards were published by local people who were responsible for developing the use of photography in Cornwall. One of the photographers featured in the Bradley Collection is E.A. Bragg of Illogan, whose photographs 'stand out' in terms of the quality of composition and clarity.
Local photographers of this period often took photographs of the towns and villages near their homes and many of the postcards show shop fronts selling all manner of wares. They also captured early modes of transport such as bicycles, traction engines, charabangs and even a chip van. Community events were a focus too and Paddy amassed an impressive number of images relating to tea treat events in the area.
The Bradley Collection also contains images relating to the significant industrial heritage of the Redruth area. There are prints relating to the railway and tramways such as the Mineral Tramway running from Portreath to Devoran.
Paddy possessed an in-depth knowledge of his subject and his research accompanies the images displayed within this collection. His books, featuring archive images from the collection, can be purchased from local booksellers or online.
Paddy Bradley was a Bard of the Cornish Gorsedh, his bardic name is 'Lywans Cuntellyor Resruth' which means 'Collector of Pictures of Redruth'. Paddy Bradley passed away in 2019.
Postcards and photographs can also be viewed by browsing the images available through the statutory archive kresenkernow.org which holds the collection. Enquiries regarding viewing the images or acquiring copies can be made to Kresen Kernow via telephone: 01209 614430 or email: kresenkernow@cornwall.gov.uk
Listen to Ted Gundry interview Paddy Bradley about his book on Redruth.
View all 2459 items in the Paddy Bradley Collection